Brad Nailer vs. Pin Nailer on 1/4 material

I just got a request to make some small boxes for a client. He wants me to use 1/4 solid poplar or oak to make the boxes… He wants them really simple with just but joints and glues and nailed…. I have never worked with this thin of material with brad nailer… I had a lot of problem with the nails shoot out the sides or splitting the wood….

would you suggest a pin nailer, and would it hold pretty good with glue? Or am I using the brad nailer wrong? What size nails would you recommend?

Thanks!

11 replies so far

Glue should hold just fine. I use pins in that size material but only to keep it from shifting when clamping. I have had problems with pins over 1/2 ” long coming out the side. You stand a good chance of splitting the material with a 18 ga brad nailer.

The trick.with mailers it to orient the nailer on the same like as the material. If you run perpendicular the nail hits a hard spot the chisel point directs the nail out or through your work. With 1/4” material I suggest a pin nails and glue.